System and Method for Converting a Foldable Chair into a Toilet Seat

ABSTRACT

A system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat is herein disclosed. The foldable chair comprises a frame and a collapsible seat. The frame further comprises a pair of seat rails and a pair of leg rails. The seat rails are attached to the leg rails through a plurality of guides. Furthermore, the seat is mounted at the middle section of the frame, wherein the seat comprises a first layer. The first layer comprises a flap and an orifice, wherein the flap covers the orifice.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to a system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat.

For several years, foldable chairs have been used for indoor and outdoor events where seating is not available or wherein additional seating is required. Moreover, foldable chair have been popular for outdoor activities such as such as camping, fishing or hunting because of the chairs functionality and portability. Often, such outdoor activities also involve locations that are deprived of sanitation facilities. Since both foldable chair and toilet seat are both intended for seating, the feature of foldable chair can be fully utilized if it can also be used as a toilet seat. However, most of the materials used for seating on a foldable chair are made of soft material. Thus, sitting on a regular foldable chair for sanitary disposal of excrement can feel odd and uncomfortable.

As such it would be advantageous to have a system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat.

SUMMARY

A system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat is herein disclosed. The foldable chair comprises a frame and a collapsible seat. The frame further comprises a pair of seat rails and a pair of leg rails. The seat rails are attached to the leg rails through a plurality of guides. Furthermore, the seat is mounted at the middle section of the frame, wherein the seat comprises a first layer. The first layer comprises a flap and an orifice, wherein the flap covers the orifice.

A method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat is further disclosed. Specifically, the method comprises unfolding a folding chair and putting a flap in an open position. The flap covering an orifice, the orifice within a first layer of a seat, the seat a portion of a folding chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a chair, which can comprise a frame, a seat, a backrest, and a plurality of fasteners.

FIG. 2A illustrates a seat comprising a top layer, and a bottom layer.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of a bottom layer comprising a flap.

FIG. 2C illustrates the bottom surface of a bottom layer comprising a bag.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a toilet seat comprising a base and a rim.

FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of a toilet seat mounted to a bottom layer.

FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment of a toilet seat further comprising an overlap.

FIG. 3D illustrates a sectional view of a toilet seat comprising an overlap mounted to a bottom layer.

FIG. 4A illustrates a toilet seat comprising a bag.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a toilet seat comprising a bag.

FIG. 5 illustrates a chair converted into a toilet seat.

FIG. 6 illustrates a frame comprising a pair of arm rails, a pair of leg rails, and a pair of seat rails, in one embodiment.

FIG. 7A illustrates a chair with a backrest removed.

FIG. 7B illustrates how a chair can be folded.

FIG. 7C illustrates a chair in a folded state.

FIG. 8 illustrates a chair with a toilet seat in a toilet seat compartment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention as claimed and is provided in the context of the particular examples discussed below, variations of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation (as in any development project), design decisions must be made to achieve the designers' specific goals (e.g., compliance with system- and business-related constraints), and that these goals will vary from one implementation to another. It will also be appreciated that such development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the field of the appropriate art having the benefit of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are not intended to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, but are to be accorded their widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a chair 100, which can comprise a frame 101, a seat 102, a backrest 103, and a plurality of fasteners 104. In one embodiment, chair 100 can be a foldable chair. Chair 100 can be used for seating in areas wherein no permanent seating is available. As such, folding chairs are usually used for outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, fishing, or other activities. Frame 101 can comprise foldable parts that form a chair, and further discussed below. Frame 101 can be made of durable material such as metal, plastic, or wood. Frame 101 can be divided into top portion, middle section, and bottom portion. The top portion of frame 101 can be utilized as an arm support and back support for the user. As such, backrest 103 can be attached at the top portion of frame 101. The middle section of frame 101 can mount seat 102, wherein seat 102 can serve as a surface a user can sit on. The bottom portion of frame 101 can be used as a stand. Additionally, bottom portion of frame 101 can serve as support for the weight of the user and chair 100.

Seat 102 and backrest 103 can be made of materials such as fabric, plastic, rubber, and/or polyester. In one embodiment, seat 102 and backrest 103 can comprise of water resistant and breathable material. As such, materials used for seat 102 and backrest 103 can prevent water from passing through but still allow air to pass through. Additionally, seat 102 and backrest 103 can vary in design, texture, and color. Since, chair 100 can be generally used outdoors a camouflage design can be used for seat 102 and backrest 103, as an example. Furthermore, seat 102 and backrest 103 can be detached and re-attached to frame 101, in one embodiment. As such, seat 102 and backrest 103 can be washed or replaced with new covers. In another embodiment, seat 102 can be permanently attached to frame 101. Further, backrest 103 can comprise a pair of holes 103 a at the opposite sides. Each hole 103 a can be attached at the top portion of frame 101. In one embodiment, the outer ends of backrest 103 can be permanently attached to the middle portion of backrest 103 through the use of adhesive materials or through sewing. In another embodiment, the outer ends of backrest 103 can be attached and detached from the middle portion of backrest 103 through the use of fasteners such as zipper, buttons, or hook and eye. Fasteners 104 can be any device such as hinges, screws, nuts, and bolts that affixes portions of chair 100 together. Fasteners 104 can be used to connect frame 101 together.

FIG. 2A illustrates seat 102 comprising a top layer 201, and a bottom layer 202. Top layer 201 can be the exterior layer that covers seat 102. In one embodiment, top layer 201 can be made of light, durable, and waterproof material such as plastics, and fabrics. As such, top layer 201 can be a flat sheet layer. In another embodiment, top layer 201 can be a cushioned layer comprising of soft breathable material such as cotton, wools, or synthetic fibers that provides additional comfort to user. The user can lift top layer 201 to reveal bottom layer 202. Bottom layer 202 can be the section of seat 102 that lies under top layer 201. Bottom layer 202 can comprise a flap 200 and an orifice 204. Flap 200 can be a cutaway section connected at the center of bottom layer 202 through a zip mechanism 203 or other fastening materials such as hook and loop fasteners or snaps. As such, flap 200 can be attached and detached partially from bottom layer 202. Zip mechanism 203 can be a fastener device that binds inner edges of bottom layer 202 with flap 200 such as a zipper.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of bottom layer 202 comprising flap 200. Flap 200 can be used to cover orifice 204. Zip mechanism 203 or other opening materials can be opened to access orifice 204. Orifice 204 can be configured in a toilet seat form. Further, bottom surface of flap 200 can comprise a recessed pocket 205.

FIG. 2C illustrates the bottom surface of bottom layer 202 comprising a bag 206. Bag 206 can hang underneath orifice 204. Bag 206 can be a container made of flexible material utilized to catch waste, such as plastic, fabric, or net. In one embodiment, bag 206 can be a permanently attached at the bottom surface of bottom layer. As such, a disposable container can be placed on top of bag 206. Thus, only the disposable container can be removed and discarded. In such embodiment, bag 206 can be used to ensure that disposable container is positioned correctly. Moreover, bag 206 can support weight of excrement in disposable container that can prevent disposable container from falling. In another embodiment, bag 206 can be removable and disposable. As such, bag 206 can comprises disposable material that can be discarded and replaced every use. In the embodiment wherein bag 206 can be removable, bag 206 can be attached at the bottom surface of bottom layer 202 through a hook and loop mechanism such as Velcro or through any other means known in the art. Recessed pocket 205 can be placed on orifice 204, in one embodiment. Recessed pocket 205 allows bag 206 to be hidden underneath bottom layer 202. In another embodiment, recessed pocket 205 can be placed underneath flap 200. As such, bag 206 can be tucked within recessed pocket 205 to prevent bag 206 from hanging loose under seat 102.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of toilet seat 300 comprising a base 301, and a rim 302. Toilet seat 300 can be made of a hard durable material such as plastic, ceramics, or metals. Toilet seat 300 can be mounted on the top surface of bottom layer 202 to provide a sturdy feel to a person sitting on toilet seat 300. Moreover, toilet seat 300 gives the user an impression that he is sitting on a toilet bowl. Base 301 can be a flat hard surface that mounts rim 302. Base 301 can be predominantly rectangular. Furthermore, base 301 can provide the solid structure as a user sits on toilet seat 300. Base 301 can vary in size, texture, and color. Rim 302 can be mounted at the center of base 301. Rim 30 can be contoured to provide comfort for the user to sit on. Rim 302 can comprise an opening 304 and a lip 305. Opening 304 can be configured in a similar circular toilet seat form like orifice 204. Additionally, rim 302 can slightly protrude from base 301. In one embodiment, rim 302 can be permanently attached to base 301. As such, rim 302 and base 301 can be fixed together through the use of any adhesive material. In another embodiment, rim 302 can be detached and reattached to base 301. In this embodiment, both rim 302 and base 301 can be replaceable. As such, when rim 302 or base 301 is damaged through wear and tear, either of the parts can be thrown away and be replaced.

FIG. 3B illustrates a sectional view of toilet seat 300 mounted to bottom layer 202. Lip 305 on rim 302 can allow toilet seat 300 to be securely attached to bottom layer 202. Lip 305 can be the protruding portion at the outer side portion of rim 302 in one embodiment. As such, edges of orifice 204 can fit snugly with lip 305. Thus, lip 305 can be mateable with orifice 204. In one embodiment, lip 305 can be attached to base 301 instead of rim 302. In another embodiment, base 301, rim 302, and lips 305 can be injection molded thus, can be considered as a single device.

FIG. 3C illustrates another embodiment of toilet seat 300 further comprising an overlap 303. Overlap 303 can be made of the same materials with base 301. Overlap 303 can be attached at one side of base 301 through fastener 104 such as a hinge. As such, overlap 303 can be mounted on top of base 301 and can be biased in a closed position. In an open position, overlap 303 can be away from base 301. While, in a closed position, overlap 303 can rest on top of base 301. Furthermore, in a closed position rim 302 can still slightly protrude from overlap 303. Moreover, overlap 303 can be configured to extend around rim 302 that can partly cover the outer top surface of base 301.

FIG. 3D illustrates a sectional view of toilet seat 300 comprising overlap 303 mounted to base 301. In this embodiment, lip 305 can extend downward from the bottom of rim 302. Moreover, lip 305 can pass around orifice passing below bottom layer 202. As such, edges of orifice 204 can fit tightly with lip 305.

FIG. 4A illustrates toilet seat 300 comprising bag 206. In this embodiment, bag 206 can be attached at the bottom surface of base 301. Bag 206 can be attached directly underneath opening 304. In one embodiment, bag 206 can be permanently attached to toilet seat 300. In this embodiment, disposable container can be used and placed on top of bag 206. In another embodiment, bag 206 can be attached and detached from toilet seat 300. As such, bag 206 can be attached between base 301 and rim 302. In such embodiment, bag 206 can be attached to toilet seat 300 before use.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of toilet seat 300 comprising bag 206. In this embodiment, bag 206 can be attached at the top surface of base 301. Bag 206 can then cover top portion of rim 302 placing the bottom portion of bag 206 directly within opening 304. Furthermore, overlap 303 can then be closed keeping the top portion of bag 206 pressed in between base 301 and overlap 303. This can hold bag 206 securely in place. Once the user is finished, overlap 303 can be lifted and bag 206 can be removed from toilet seat 300 and be discarded.

FIG. 5 illustrates chair 100 converted into a toilet seat. In an erected state, chair 100 can be used as a toilet seat. As such, top layer 201 of seat 102 can be lifted to uncover bottom layer 202. In one embodiment, top layer 201 can be detached and removed from chair 100. In another embodiment, top layer 201 can be partially attached to bottom layer 202. As such, top layer 201 can be lifted and pushed at the back of chair 100. Once top layer 201 is displaced, flap 200 on bottom layer 202 can be unzipped. Removing flap 200 from bottom layer 202 can expose orifice 204. In an embodiment wherein bag 206 can be in a recessed pocket 205 of bottom layer 202, bag 206 can be removed from recessed pocket 205 to let bag 206 hang loose from bottom layer 202. Toilet seat 300 can then be placed on top of bottom layer 202 aligning orifice 204 with opening 304 of rim 302. Further, in another embodiment wherein bag 206 can be placed on toilet seat 300, bag 206 can be attached to toilet seat 300 before toilet seat 300 is placed on top of bottom layer 202. Furthermore in an embodiment wherein toilet seat 300 comprises overlap 303, overlap 303 can be lifted to an open position and bag 206 can be placed on top of base 301 allowing the outer portion of bag 206 to cover rim 302. Once bag 206 is in place, overlap 303 can be lowered down towards base 301 to securely hold bag 206 in place. Once user is through using toilet seat 300, the user can take out and discard bag 206. Then, toilet seat 300 can be removed from bottom layer 202. To convert toilet seat back into chair 100, the user can zip flap 200 back into bottom layer 202 covering orifice 204. Next, is to put top layer 201 back on top of bottom layer 202, which can allow seat 102 be used as a standard chair again.

FIG. 6 illustrates frame 101 comprising a pair of arm rails 601, a pair of leg rails 602, and a pair of seat rails 603, in one embodiment. Arm rails 601 can be at the top portion of frame 101. Each of arm rails 601 can be configured in b-shape and serve as the frame support for the back and a place to rest the arms of a user in a seated position. Arm rails 601 can comprise a shaft 601 a and a loop 601 b. Shaft 601 a can be the long cylindrical portion of arm rail 601 while loop 601 b can be the round portion attached at the bottom of shaft 601 a. As such, backrest 103 can be mountable on top of each shaft 601 a. In another embodiment, frame 101 can only comprise leg rails 602, and seat rails 603. As such, chair 100 does not comprise back and arm support. Leg rails 602 can be the bottom portion of frame 101 that is used to support the weight of the user sitting on chair 100. Seat rails 603 can be at the bottom portion of frame 101 configured in a u-shape. Seat rails 603 can be attached together to form an X-shape at the front and at the back of chair 100. Moreover, the top section of seat rails 603 can form a parallel frame wherein seat 102 can be mounted. Seat rails 603 can comprise a plurality of guides 604. Guides 604 can be utilized for additional support to the structure of chair 100. Moreover, guides 604 can be used to ensure that leg rails 602 maintain a balance and upright position.

Further, each parts of frame 101 can be attached together at several pivot points. Thus, pivot points can be the portion where parts of frame 101 can swing or fold. In an embodiment wherein frame 101 comprises arm rails 601, the bottom surface of each loop 601 b can be attached at the top surface of each leg rails 602. Each seat rails 603 can be attached together at a cross section. Cross section can be the middle portion of seat rails 603 connected through fastener 104. First end of each guides 604 can be attached at the middle section of seat rails 603 while the second end of each guides 604 can be attached at the top portion of leg rails 602. Thus, guides 604 can aid in preventing leg rails 602 from sliding or folding. Further, bottom section of seat rails 603 can be attached at the middle portion of each leg rails 602. As such, fasteners 104 can be used to attach each parts of frame 101 at specified attachment points. Moreover, fasteners 104 can be configured to allow desired movements for each parts of frame 101.

FIG. 7A illustrates chair 100 with backrest 103 removed. Each cylindrical holes 103 a of backrest 103 can be mateable with shaft 601 a, which prevents arm rails 601 from falling at the sides of leg rails 602. Thus, when backrest 103 is removed from shaft 601 a, arm rails 601 can swing at the sides of leg rails 602. In such state, leg rails 602 can still keep an upright position. Thus leaving seat rails 603 and guides 604 at expanded state.

FIG. 7B illustrates how chair 100 can be folded. The x-shaped portion or cross section of seat rails 603 can be one of the pivot points of chair 100. As such, seat rails 603 can be folded together collapsing seat 102 to fold in between leg rails 602. Thus, in such state guides 604 can aid seat rails 603 to fold closer with leg rails 602.

FIG. 7C illustrates chair 100 in a folded state. In this position, arm rails 601 can rest flat at the outer sides of leg rails 602 while seat rails 603 and leg rails 602 can be pressed together. At such state, chair 100 can be easily carried and stored. As such, seat 102 of chair 100 can comprise one or more handles 701 and one or more clips 702. Handles 701 can be attached at the opposite sides of seat 102. Thus, handles 701 and seat 102 can be made from the same materials. Handles 701 can be positioned at the top portion of chair 100, when chair 100 is in a folded state. Thus at expanded state, handles 701 can be positioned at the sides of chair 100. Clip 702 can be a device that keeps chair 100 at a folded state. Clip 702 can be made of flexible material such as rubber, fabric, or plastic. Each ends of clip 702 can be attached to arm rails 601 to keep leg rails 602 and seat rails 603 pressed together.

FIG. 8 illustrates chair 100 with toilet seat 300 in a toilet seat compartment 801. Toilet seat 300 can be placed in between leg rail 602 and seat rail 603, in one embodiment. In an embodiment wherein chair 100 comprises clip 702, clip 702 can aid in keeping toilet seat 300 in between leg rail 602 and seat rail 603. In another embodiment, toilet seat 300 can be kept in between seat rails 603. Further in another embodiment, a toilet seat compartment 801 can be used in keeping toilet seat 300. Toilet seat compartment 801 can be attached under bottom layer 202 and made of the same materials with seat 102. Toilet seat 300 can be mounted into toilet seat compartment 801 when chair 100 is at a folded state. In a folded state, such compartment can hang down in a manner that allows compartment and folded chair 100 to be substantially flat together.

Various changes in the details of the illustrated operational methods are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims. Some embodiments may combine the activities described herein as being separate steps. Similarly, one or more of the described steps may be omitted, depending upon the specific operational environment the method is being implemented in. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” 

1. A foldable chair comprising a frame, said frame further comprises a pair of seat rails and a pair of leg rails, said seat rails attached to said leg rails through a plurality of guides; and a collapsible seat, said seat mounted at the middle section of said frame, wherein said seat comprises a first layer, said first layer comprising a flap and an orifice, wherein said flap covers said orifice.
 2. The foldable chair of claim 1 wherein said seat further comprises a top layer capable of covering said first layer.
 3. The system of claim 3, wherein said shaft mountable by a backrest, said backrest comprises a pair of holes, wherein each of said holes mateable with said shaft.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a zip mechanism that connects said flap to the remaining portion of said bottom layer.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising hook and loop fasteners that connect said flap to the remaining portion of said bottom layer.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the bottom surface of said bottom layer further comprises a recessed pocket below said orifice.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a toilet seat a rigid base; and a rim, said rim mounted to a top portion of said base.
 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a lip on the bottom portion of said base and around the inner portion of said rim.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said lip mateable with said orifice.
 10. The system of claim 8 wherein said rim attaches permanently to said base using an adhesive material.
 11. The system of claim 8 wherein said rim is detachable from said base.
 12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a toilet seat compartment mounted to said chair, said toilet seat compartment capable of housing a toilet seat.
 13. A method for converting a foldable chair into a toilet seat comprising unfolding a folding chair; putting a flap in an open position; said flap, said flap covering an orifice, said orifice within a first layer of a seat, said seat a portion of a folding chair;
 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of mounting a toilet seat on top of said bottom layer; said toilet seat comprising a rigid base and a rim, said rim mounted to a top portion of said base.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein mounting said toilet seat comprises placing a lip of said toilet seat within said orifice
 16. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step placing a biodegradable bag in a recessed pocket, said recessed pocket mounted to be substantially below said orifice. 